The allure
of
Taiwan
runs deep among its people and its wild creatures. A joy of life
seems to pervade all who choose to live there including its
birds. And among all the birds, the Formosan Magpie seems to
enjoy life the most. Magpies are noisy creatures; often they are
heard before they are seen. And when one comes into view, what a
sight it is to behold! The red bill and blue body precede an
outrageously long tail that trails behind like an exclamation
mark. Magpies are caring parents with strong family ties that
help with rearing the offspring. Like an old friend, the
Formosan Magpie is one bird I long to see again soon.

The rain
that began the previous night was still beating down when our
small party of birders set out in search of Swinhoe’s Pheasant.
It was my first visit to Taiwan and all of us were hoping to see
this elusive species in the quiet morning. Raingear and steamed
binoculars slowed our progress along the track. After an hour of
quiet searching, a whir of wings came overhead. Out of the mist
and just above the tree tops soared two Swinhoe’s Pheasants.
They startled at our presence and sailed off down the valley.
Etched in my mind were two elegant blue and white gems afloat in
the emerald forested valley.

Mountains of
the world are sources of mystery and mysticism. High up in the
cool rarefied air of Alishan is where I went in search of the
lord of the mountains – Mikado Pheasant. The pheasant had been
seen not long ago near a mountain pass where I stood alert to
the sounds around me. The song of songbirds filled the air and
nothing more. I thought to myself that before me was the wild
Taiwan as it had always been. Although I have yet to see the
Mikado Pheasant, in some ways I thought this is how it should
remain – a mystery of the mountains.

Small
songbirds sometimes travel in flocks that suddenly appear along
a roadway or a path, and disappear through the tree tops in a
flurry of activity. The Taiwan Tit is one of these surprises.
Its yellow and black color is topped off with a crest on top of
its head. To see one will require the greatest skill with
binoculars as these tiny birds dart to and fro among the
branches. The search is worth the effort. Finding this tiny
endemic will make any day special.